Good Electrical Book for train layouts...

Are you planning or do you run any manufacture's control systems?  Are you running conventional?

I think the answers to these questions would refine the answers you may get. 

A "how to wire a model railroad" Google search presents some good results.

Toy train layout wiring by a forum member

Wiring your layout  Lionel Blog

I prefer bus wiring with terminal blocks. It makes getting whatever voltage that you need to anywhere and makes changes and troubleshooting easy.

An alternative is to use bus wiring with tap splice connectors.

Loose-Caboose posted:

Are you planning or do you run any manufacture's control systems?  Are you running conventional?

I think the answers to these questions would refine the answers you may get. 

To be honest, I don't know enough about the different systems to answer this. What I can tell you is wiring has always been my stumbling block to putting together a nice large layout. I'm good at alot of things but for whatever reason, when it comes to wiring I just get lost in it all. But when you start talking about systems, I didn't know if I was limiting myself in ways I never thought about

I realize the different control systems can do so many amazing things, but when I get into what I'd consider complicated wiring, it takes the fun out of it for me quick. Any locomotives I have purchased have been traditional. I'm to the point where I'd like to start building that "dream layout", but would prefer to learn the basics of what the different systems can do so I can make a more informed decision on how to go about it all. But bottom line, the simpler I can keep things the better.  

For me this isn't so much about the trains as much as it is just learning the basics, wiring switches, lights, accessories, and perhaps some sort of guide that touches a bit more about the different control systems. Does that make any sense?

I'll check out your suggestions Moonman, Thanks guys...

Do you know anyone with layouts? Consult with them as to the who, what, how of their electrical system, especially any pitfalls or "I wish I had done X rather than Y when I wired this up".  Club layouts are especially good sources if you are near ones or might be worth while road trip to visit when they are in operation or willing to meet with you on non-operating night.

Funny how we all have our niche specialties.  Wiring and electronics is knockoffs, while model building is WAY above my pay grade with all the special jigs and tools.  Scenery is OK as long as someone walks me through the steps several times.  Each to his/her own.

Ok. try this one from 1954 by Lionel  -  the basics are here. Materials and methods have been improved, but this way still works.

So, connect track. Hook up two wires to the transformer and two to the track. Center rail is A, Red. Outside rail is U, Black. Put train on track. Plug in transformer. Run trains.

Want to run Legacy? A box of equipment and one more wire will do it.

These are both good basic books.   Especially for conventional operation.

www.amazon.com/Wiring-Your-Toy...Layout/dp/0897785436

www.amazon.com/Greenbergs-Wiri...Layout/dp/0897782062

For a good general train wiring book I like 'Wiring Your Toy Train Layout' by Peter Riddle. It is just a basic wiring book that covers a lot of things related to wiring your layout. I like Peter Riddle's writing style and it was really easy to understand, at least for me it was. I also enjoyed reading it. That and the other links provided above should at least get you going.

Thanks so much guys, I'll follow up on every book lead you gave me, I really appreciate it!

Moonman, that is actually a really cool download you posted, especially when it comes to the transformers....I'll definately be reading it all...